Here It Comes, Blizzard Conditions, Finch Declares Snow Emergency

From Mayor Bill Finch:

Bridgeport is preparing for possible blizzard conditions with a major winter storm projected to hit Connecticut tomorrow evening into Tuesday. Mayor Finch has declared a Snow Emergency beginning at 7:00 AM on Monday, January 26, 2015.

“Our priority is keeping our kids and families safe,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “We’re preparing for the worst. But we’re hoping for the best. We have a great team that is getting ready to tackle what the storm brings our way, and is ready to ensure people across the city are safe and secure.”

Current forecasts project up to 24 inches of snow and high wind gusts in Bridgeport. While storms can be unpredictable, Mayor Finch urged residents to be prepared for a significant snowfall.

“With the anticipation of heavy snowfall, we’re strongly recommending that folks across the city get prepared, and get prepared now,” said Director of Emergency Management Scott Appleby. “Families should make sure that they have an emergency kit on hand with water, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, extra medication, and a battery operated radio in the event of utility disruptions. In addition, we ask that you stay indoors and avoid traveling during the storm and adhere to all emergency parking bans that may be in effect. Ensure all pets are brought inside, as well.”

During a Snow Emergency, residents must move their cars off posted Snow Emergency streets or be subject to fines and towing. Alternate-side-of-the-street parking rules are in effect for all other streets throughout the city in order to allow snow plow drivers’ clear passage. To comply with the Snow Emergency Alternate-Side-of-the-Street Parking Rules, residents must move their cars to the ‘even-numbered’ side of the street and remain on the even-numbered side of the street until further notice (e.g., house numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 constitute the even-numbered side of the street).

“We’ll have up to 60 trucks out on Bridgeport streets ready to keep our roadways clear,” said Jorge Garcia, Director of Public Facilities. “We’re using new technology to track what’s been plowed and what hasn’t. Our operation starts first thing in the morning and won’t stop until the snow stops.”

For the latest updates, resources and information about the snowstorm, residents are asked to check www.bridgeportct.gov/snow, local television and radio news outlets, to follow the City of Bridgeport on Twitter and Facebook, and to follow Mayor Bill Finch on Twitter and Facebook.

“The latest forecasts indicate this could be an historic blizzard, and safety is our top priority,” said Mayor Finch. “Stay safe and, if you can, stay home.”

Snow Emergency streets are marked with white signs with red lettering. A list of Snow Emergency streets can be found on the City’s website–www.bridgeportct.gov/snowemergencystreets. No parking is allowed on Snow Emergency streets. Vehicles left on Snow Emergency streets after the Snow Emergency goes into effect will be subject to fines and towing.

Key resources for residents to use during the storm include:
Ø During the storm, residents with non-emergency, weather-related questions or concerns should call the City’s BConnected Call Center at 203.576.1311 or the Emergency Operations Center at 203.579.3829.
Ø Residents can use the Bridgeport’s BConnected request system online at www.bridgeportct.gov/bconnected, or the BConnected mobile app that’s available on iPhone or Android smartphones, to report any snow-related concerns.
Ø A list of Snow Emergency streets can be found on the City’s website by following this link: www.bridgeportct.gov/snowemergencystreets.

Information regarding where residents can park during the Snow Emergency:
Ø Additional off-street parking will be available tomorrow at school parking lots after school dismissal.
Ø Parking will be available at 7:00AM at: Surface parking lots across the street from the Ballpark at Harbor Yard, North End Library, 3455 Madison Ave.
Ø Veterans Memorial Park (entrance off Madison Avenue) Municipal Parking Lot located on the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Jetland Street (adjacent to 2895 Fairfield Ave.) Health Department at 752 East Main St. Lot adjacent to the former Waltersville School, 95 Gilmore St.
Ø Encourage property owners to make off-street parking in driveways and lots available to tenants and residents.

Preparation recommendations for families:
Ø Items to be included in an emergency preparedness kit: One gallon of bottled water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation; At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for you and your pet; A three-day supply of prescription medication; Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and First aid kit; A whistle to signal for help; Moist towelettes; Plastic trash bags and ties for personal sanitation; Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities; Manual can opener; Local maps; Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger; Extra fuel (stored in a safe container) for a power generator.
Ø Additional preparedness tips: In the event emergency travel is necessary, fill up your car with gas, check oil, and windshield fluid levels. And, sign up for emergency alerts at www.ctalert.gov.

For additional info on winter weather preparedness go to www.ct.gov/demhs or www.redcross.org.